Diversity, Inclusion, and EEO: A Winning Strategy for Hiring

Presented by RENE REDWOOD

Objectives for Our Conversation:

* Shared understanding of the definitions and linkage between diversity, inclusion, and EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)

* Using diversity and EEO as an influencers in the hiring process

* Marketing our multicultural selves

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

René Redwood is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on diversity and advocate for inclusion. For more than two decades, Ms. Redwood has informed the debate on access and equal opportunity while directing initiatives for public, non- profit, and private sector organizations. She is often described as smart, strategic and energetic, and has been featured in publication such as Time Magazine, Black Enterprise, American Editor, Elle, and Essence Magazine to name a few.

René Redwood is the CEO of Redwood Enterprise LLC, a consulting practice that provides strategies and structures to enable the client’s mission. She leverages a cooperative business model to gain the benefits of scale and scope through strategic alliances, stakeholder networks, and sector partnerships. Ms. Redwood served on a court appointed Task Force to oversee a Fortune corporation’s compliance with a historic discrimination settlement agreement. She evaluates programs and institutions, and promotes practices deemed “best in class” to shift organizational culture and climate.

René is a chemist by training and was an executive or director of: a prominent polling and consulting firm; the Presidential Glass Ceiling Commission (Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title II); a coalition of leading legal defense organizations; congressional district offices; and political operations for a national party.

René Redwood is facile with data, and has a quantifiable record of success as a trainer, senior counsel to a host of non-profit organizations and government agencies, and a mentor and coach. She is a skilled moderator trained at RIVA Institute (Research In Values and Attitudes), and a yearlong Fellow “Leading from the Inside” for the Rockwood Leadership Institute. René is a Senior Consultant with FranklinCovey and has prepared and delivered diversity and inclusion curriculum at George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Service. She sits on the board of Directors of the Ms Foundation for Women, The BAR Foundation, and was honored as a Freedom’s Sister for "continuing the legacy of African American women for courageous, spirited trailblazing that has helped to shape our country." The US Black Chamber named René one of the “Top 100 African American Business Leaders in 2012” and in 2013 she received the “Women-Owned Business, Servant Leadership Award”.

Redwood Enterprise LLC is a consulting practice that provides data informed strategies and the associated operational structuring to support our clients missions. We leverage the expertise of collaborative partners to deliver organizational development and cultural diversity consultation to public, private and nonprofit clients.

Unconditional positive regard is the universal philosophy that Redwood Enterprise brings to every situation. This philosophy creates an environment of trust, which leads participants on a journey of self-discovery through the evolution, or in some cases awakening, of their diversity awareness and responsibility for creating an inclusive environment. Our style is interactive and allows us to model the practices we seek to impart in the content of the training and conversations – value people, leverage talent, mitigate barriers, and engaging internal and external stakeholders with dignity and respect.

Our approach recognizes the difference between the letter of the law, embodied in EEO and compliance, and the spirit of the law, demonstrated through diversity and inclusion. By understanding the differences and distinctions of these concepts, we help create a workforce that not only understands how to appropriately uphold relevant laws, but also are prepared to make good management decisions tapping the talent within the workplace and the constituency or customers served through inclusive practices.

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Plan to join us after the meeting for networking. Many of us carry our conversations to lunch at the nearby Brookings Institution.

Attire is business casual, recruiters are often present, so we ask all Monday Speaker attendees to contribute to the professional standards and objectives of this important networking meeting.

Doors open at 9:45 for networking and the program starts promptly at 10:00.40Plus of Greater Washington
1718 P Street, NW, Suite T2
Washington, DC 20036

Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line) South Exit

Leave the Dupont Circle Metro Station by the 19th Street SOUTH exit.

At the top of the escalator (street level), turn 180 degrees, and walk a short distance towards Dupont Circle.

Turn right and walk counter-clockwise around the outside of the Circle, past Connecticut and Massachusetts Avenues.

At P Street, turn right . Proceed on P Street past 18th Street.

40Plus is near the end of the block on the right side, at 1718 P Street, in the Webster House apartment building.